Ten Great Happy Hours

American Heritage Dictionary defines it as “a period of time, usually in late afternoon and early evening, during which a bar or lounge features drinks at reduced prices.”

Originally a Navy term, “happy hour” referred to a scheduled entertainment period on board ships providing sailors with an opportunity to blow off steam.

But it was “mad men” that brought the concept into civilian use. Following a 1959 Saturday Evening Post article on military life, the term entered the marketing arena and restaurants and lounges jumped on the opportunity to offer workers a chance to “blow-off steam” and imbibe after a hard day at work.

Although it’s been banned in some states, the happy hour phenomenon has enjoyed a recent revival locally, with many four-star restaurants showcasing their offerings at greatly reduced prices.

Here are ten places to get happy and enjoy great food and libations for less:

Bridges44 Church Street, DanvilleThe king of happy hour, Bridges features low-priced drinks and appetizers Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to close in the bar and cocktail lounge. Enjoy their $6 blue plate special (February’s special is an open faced ahi tuna sandwich), $6 small plates, $5 martinis and wine specials and $3 - 3.50 well drinks and beer specials.

Coa3421 Blackhawk Plaza CircleOne of Blackhawks’ newest restaurants offers happy hour from 3 - 6 p.m., then again from 9 p.m to closing. Some of their offerings include $1 ice-cold Corinitas and $1 quesadillas. Follow Coa on Twitter for daily happy hour updates.

Stomp3451 Blackhawk Plaza CircleCoa’s ultra chic and sophisticated sister, Stomp is a wine and tapas bar. If it’s Tuesday, unwind at Stomp with wine flights and an artisan cheese selection for $12. This offer is available all day long.

Luna Loca500 Sycamore Valley Road West, DanvilleDanville’s favorite party restaurant has a new happy hour special, which includes free wine and champagne tasting with $1 fresh blue point oysters. It’s every Friday from 3 - 6 p.m. Don’t forget their Full Moon Parties that take place on the patio each month.

The Vine at Bridges480 Hartz Ave, DanvilleMonday – Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. enjoy a happy hour flight featuring any two different wine tastes for $10. The Vine’s February appetizer specials include togarashi nuts and Mediterranean olives, each for $1, pizzettas for $6 and a tapenade Trio for $6. Premium beer can be purchased for $3.

Stanford's1300 South Main St., Walnut Creek Stanford’s didn’t wait for a recession to start offering happy hour. They've been featuring happy hour appetizers starting at $2.50 in the lounge for years. Hours are 3 - 6 p.m. with a reprise from 9 p.m. to close.

Faz in Pleasanton 5121 Hopyard RoadLike Stanford’s, happy hour at Faz has been a mainstay for years. The restaurant features an appetizer buffet with pizza, chips, salsa and veggie trays Monday - Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Happy hour is often accompanied by a live band.